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The aging Daśaratha, thinking of his retirement, gradually entrusted more and more of the state affairs to Rāma and Lakṣman. …

Rāma was especially dear to the king and the people. He was always tranquil and soft-spoken, not retorting even when …

Rāma gave delight to even the gods, who would frequently grace Ayodhya with their presence. He was as tolerant as …

Daśaratha, seeing his son endowed with so many virtues, longed to see Him installed as the Prince Regent. The king …

Daśaratha became concerned. The omens must surely foretell of his own impending death. He decided to perform the ceremony quickly …

Soon a large gathering of kings and Brahmins appeared in Ayodhya and Daśaratha had them assembled in the royal court. …

“All of you know how the earth has long been protected by me and the kings who previously appeared before …

Daśaratha looked around the vast assembly of kings and sages. All of them gazed at him intently as he spoke. …

“Rāma, who possesses every desirable quality, will be your worthy protector and even the universe will be better ruled with …

The whole assembly was filled with delight upon hearing Daśaratha speak. They erupted with loud acclamations of joy, even as …

Stepping forward, a leader of the Brahmins said, “You have long protected us with love, O king. Now you have …

Upon hearing the assembly voice their unanimous agreement to Rāma’s installation, Daśaratha stood up, his eyes flooded with tears of …

Daśaratha came down from his throne and approached Vasiṣṭha, touching his feet. “With your permission, O holy Brahmin, we shall …

“So be it,” Vasiṣṭha replied, and he immediately commanded the king’s ministers to set about making ready all of the …

That night, however, Daśaratha remembered the astrological predictions. He became fearful and called for Rāma. Speaking with Him in private, …

Daśaratha clasped Rāma close to his bosom. The king’s body trembled and his eyes shed tears. He desperately longed for …

“My dear Rāma, due to seeing all these omens, Your installation has been sought swiftly by me before any problems …

Rāma nodded in agreement and then bowed and took His leave from the king. He went back to His palace …

The news of Rāma’s installation quickly spread around the city, delighting everyone. The temples were thronged with people offering gifts …

In the palace of Kaikeyi, the king’s youngest queen, there was a hunchbacked maidservant called Manthara. Upon seeing the celebrations, …